Sudden death in family. Can we get a funeral payment from social fund?

FiloFilo

I didn't know where else to ask for advice and hope you can help. My father passed away yesterday morning. It was all very sudden and my parents have no savings or insurance policies so this is incredibly stressful right now.

To apply for a funeral payment we need a funeral date, but we cannot book a funeral without the disbursement costs paid, which are roughly £1000.

-Is this correct?
-Can you be refunded for disbursement costs?
-Is there any other assistance available?

They were struggling pensioners and have no family to borrow this money from.

Thanks in advance.

Mojisola

Here's the details - https://www.gov.uk/funeral-payments

FiloFilo

Thanks, Mojisola.

If the funeral director has been paid, the money is paid into your account - eg a bank account.

The social fund person I just spoke with said this wasn't the case :huh: He was coming out with all sorts of odd and confusing examples of funeral costs hence why I've come on here. I was concerned as if we do manage to loan the disbursement fees then we'd need to repay whoever.

FiloFilo

blondebubbles wrote: »

Do you claim for the relevant benefits to be able to apply?

Yes, pension credit.

pmlindyloo

I think there is a better description of what is covered by a funeral grant here:


http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/benefits_e/benefits_help_if_on_a_low_income_ew/help_for_people_on_a_low_income_-_the_social_fund_and_other_welfare_schemes.htm


Some people mistakenly believe that the whole of the funeral costs are met. This is not true. There are criteria that are laid down and if you are concerned about money then you will need to be very careful about expenses incurred.


The other misconception is that being in receipt of a qualifying benefit will mean that you are automatically awarded the funeral grant. This is not true either. If there is a close member(s) of the deceased who is not on a qualifying benefit then they will be expected to pay.


My condolences for your loss and I certainly do not want to add any further distress but thought you ought to have a 'heads up' about the facts.

pmlindyloo

There are bereavement benefits available so please check these for your mum.


http://www.adviceguide.org.uk/england/benefits_e/benefits_bereavement_ew/benefits_and_bereavement.htm

galante_inc

First question that will be asked, are you in a position as the daughter to pay for the funeral

FiloFilo

Thank you for all the info. Qualifying for a 'Funeral Payment' is ok, but I don't think they'd qualify for the bereavement benefits because:

To get Bereavement Payment you must have been below state pension age when your husband, wife or civil partner died, or - if you were over state pension age - they must not have been entitled to state retirement pension, based on their own national insurance contributions, when they died.

If I was in any position to help we'd avoid the DWP at all costs!

The CAB link on FPs was very useful, cheers.

sleepless_saver

In England the local council will in some circumstances arrange and pay for a basic funeral. The exact details vary between areas e.g. http://www.winchester.gov.uk/community/deaths-funerals-cremations/phb/